Comments about this vehicle

Author	Message
antp ◊ 2004-10-11 21:15	The main car of the movie. Amongst the other cars, they have to steal one of this model. Each time they achieve that, they have problems. 1st one, there was someone in it: 2nd one, the owner chases them, who is himself chased by the cops, so they go put it back discretely 3rd one, the owner asks to return the car because it was not insured (and they only steal cars which were insured) 4th one, the cops were waiting... so this starts a very long chase It ends at a carwash (see /vehicle_5765-BMW-1800-1964.html) where the destroyed car is exchanged for a brand new one: -- Last edit: 2011-04-14 17:09:48
aa ◊ 2005-05-14 21:34	en fait cela n'a jamais été une mustang mach one 1973 mais bel et bien une fastback 1971....(pare choc avant et arriere, rien ne dit que c'est une mach one te en plus c'est marque sur le site officile du site) etonnant non ? http://www.halicki.com/elenor.htm “ Eleanor” Is a 1971 Fastback Ford Mustang played the role of a 1973 Mach 1 Ford Mustang, a true lady both beautiful and tough and is the "Star" of Gone in 60 Seconds. Eleanor is the only Ford Mustang in history to receive Star title credit in a movie…making “Eleanor” a household name.
antp ◊ 2005-05-15 20:08	Tiens c'est marrant ça
nillle ◊ 2005-10-01 12:56	aa> the only thing about this car that is 1973 is the grille. -- Last edit: 2005-10-01 12:58:36
vorgon ◊ 2005-12-14 06:06	1973 only
antp ◊ 2005-12-14 09:39	I guess that we can believe the "1971" of the official site
bullitt390 ◊ 2006-01-21 21:37	this is in fact a 1973 mustang with a 351c. however the movie makers wanted people to believe it was a 1971 mach 1. the money put into movies at that time wasnt near what it is today and i guess the couldnt find or couldnt afford a real 71 mach 1.
antp ◊ 2006-01-21 21:45	The official site says it is a normal 1971 Mustang used as if it was a 1973 Mustang Mach 1 -- Last edit: 2006-01-21 21:46:16
junkman ◊ 2006-03-03 12:59	But it is in fact a 73 Mustang, wheels and everything. It also has the 73 Mustang appearance package, which is significantly different from 71. I cannot spot a single 71 part on this car.
antp ◊ 2006-03-03 13:01	Strange that the official site does not know what car was used
Carfan ◊ 2006-06-28 03:28	This car sure can take a beating in this movie!
trucker ◊ 2006-07-03 01:34	Eleanor and Billy make a good couple don't they? -- Last edit: 2006-07-03 01:34:29
lightfoot1976 ◊ 2006-09-19 17:59	junkman wrote But it is in fact a 73 Mustang, wheels and everything. It also has the 73 Mustang appearance package, which is significantly different from 71. I cannot spot a single 71 part on this car. why would a car made to look like a 73 have 71 parts on it. isnt that the point.
no1Uno ◊ 2007-03-09 03:16	'71-'73 had the same body (though this is a '73)
Skid ◊ 2007-03-31 01:00	For the last bloody time: Eleanor was a 1971 Mustang fastback turned into a 1973 clone. Listing it as a 1973 is fine, since that's what it's supposed to be in the film, but the stunt car was built from a 1971 model, period.
nubby ◊ 2007-06-02 22:18	That Mustang got the crap beaten out of it! It still kept going after it took out that light pole! -- Last edit: 2007-06-20 00:16:06
marioman3138 ◊ 2007-06-10 07:32	It's 1973! this car rocks
Area 51 ◊ 2007-06-24 04:25	it's a 1973 Ford mustang mach 1, it's a '73 because the main character says " the last of the mustangs, or something like that, also the mention it quite a lot in the movie
antp ◊ 2007-06-24 22:58	They often give wrong years in movie dialogues
Skid ◊ 2007-07-04 21:19	Area 51 wrote it's a 1973 Ford mustang mach 1, it's a '73 because the main character says " the last of the mustangs, or something like that, also the mention it quite a lot in the movie 1971 Mustang cloned to look like a 1973. Is meant to be a 1973 Mustang in the script, however the car used is a 1971 model. Please read before you post.
MrTaft ◊ 2007-09-23 17:45	Why are you people going off what the official site says? Halicki died in 1989 and it is run by his widow and people who had nothing to do with the film, so they would have no idea what they're talking about (not to say they're wrong, but it's not basis for conclusive fact).
Skid ◊ 2007-09-23 18:14	Do you have anything closer to an official source? The only evidence for this being a 1973 is the way it looks. Then again, if it's a 1971 MODIFIED TO LOOK LIKE a 1973, then OF COURSE it would look like a 1973. According to the wikipedia entry on Eleanor http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_(1973_Ford_Mustang) , a 1971 was used as a stunt car, and a real 1973 was used for some beauty shots, most notably for the car wash and final escape. This makes sense, since he wanted to save money by using the oldest cars in each bodystyle he could. This is also why he redressed 1970 Dodge Challengers to look like '72-'74s. Above all else, keep in mind the stunt car STILL EXISTS and has been displayed at the Peterson Automotive musuem in Los Angeles. Considering Denise Halicki's role in preserving and displaying the car, I think she knows what year it is.
no1Uno ◊ 2007-10-16 03:15	But she calls it a '73
Q-Ball ◊ 2007-11-17 17:26	The front panel up to the door belongs to a 1973 but the rest is 1971 material.
marioman3138 ◊ 2007-11-21 09:48	On the offical movie car box it says '1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1'
Skid ◊ 2008-01-11 22:18	no1Uno wrote But she calls it a '73 She runs the official site, which says it's a '71 cloned into a '73. The car is usually casually referred to as a 1973 Mustang, since that's what it's supposed to be in the script. That's why I said earlier that the car could be concievably listed as a 1973, since that's what it's supposed to be, but you can't argue that the car doing all the wrecking and crashing was anything but a 1971 car with 1973 front sheet metal. Well, you could argue against that, but only if you go completely against the scant amount of proof that's already out there.
jettalover ◊ 2008-01-12 04:11	I doubt a new car today could keep going after taking out that pole. Not even a new pickup with steel bumpers.
rjluna2 ◊ 2008-01-12 04:23	jettalover wrote I doubt a new car today could keep going after taking out that pole. Not even a new pickup with steel bumpers. They repaired the car to make it runnable when Toby recovered in between production.
Cycolac Fan ◊ 2008-02-21 22:09	The car also used a massively reinforced body and chassis and a NASCAR spec rollcage, and as previously stated, was repaired between takes.
MaindrianPace ◊ 2008-06-17 18:05	They actually used two Eleanors which are modified Mach 1's, one for beauty shots, and one for stunts. They both modified high-proformance 351 Clevelands secretly done by Halicki himself. Eleanor is a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (modified as a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1). -- Last edit: 2008-06-21 18:15:24
mr.hollwoodcar ◊ 2008-07-21 03:27	I LOVE that mustang
mr.hollwoodcar ◊ 2008-08-15 15:09	Skid wrote For the last bloody time: Eleanor was a 1971 Mustang fastback turned into a 1973 clone. Listing it as a 1973 is fine, since that's what it's supposed to be in the film, but the stunt car was built from a 1971 model, period. Eleanor is a 1973 Yellow Ford Mustang with a black hood NOT!!!!!! 1971
rubber ducky ◊ 2008-08-15 15:50	this car is still about and is in running order
Ray B. ◊ 2008-08-15 18:07	mr.hollwoodcar wrote Eleanor is a 1973 Yellow Ford Mustang with a black hood NOT!!!!!! 1971 Wow! This war has been going on for more than 3 years !!!
MrTaft ◊ 2008-08-31 06:57	I recently rewatched the bonus material that comes with the original DVD release and in an interview with Lee Iaccoa (the man who created the Mustang), he says it is a 1973 model and Denice Halicki, who is conducting the interview, does not correct him. Furthermore, in the documentary on Halicki's life which is a bonus on the "Deadline Auto Theft" DVD, Denice herself refers to Eleanor as a 1973 model.
tony ◊ 2008-09-18 21:35	It looks like a 73 grill. but the front bumper looks like 71-72. the 73 bumpers are bigger than 71-72s also the hood is wrong for a mach 1.....maybe its an early 73. before the bigger bumpers became available
Skid ◊ 2008-09-24 21:59	MrTaft wrote I recently rewatched the bonus material that comes with the original DVD release and in an interview with Lee Iaccoa (the man who created the Mustang), he says it is a 1973 model and Denice Halicki, who is conducting the interview, does not correct him. Furthermore, in the documentary on Halicki's life which is a bonus on the "Deadline Auto Theft" DVD, Denice herself refers to Eleanor as a 1973 model. That's because Eleanor is SUPPOSED to be a 1973...but the stunt car was built from a 1971. Hence, 1971 Mustang modified as 1973, as it says at the top. In short, Eleanor as a "character" is a 1973 Mustang, but the car used was not. It seems like no matter how many times this is pointed out, some new user (not necessarily you) always comes in and says something simplistic like "But it's a 1973! I know this, because it has a 1973 grille!", apparently not understanding what "modifed as a 1973" means. It's on the official website, run by Denise Halicki herself. Why argue what's already been established?
D.R.T.72 ◊ 2008-09-28 17:59	Skid 1st rule of life STUPIDITY OVER RULES REASON AT ALL TIMES no matter how many times you tell them it's a 71' modified to a look like a 73' it just doesn't sink in
MaindrianPace ◊ 2008-10-15 19:00	I that both Eleanors are actually built from 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1's. Ford Mustangs from 71 through 73 had the same body expect the 1973 grill is actually different compare to the 1971 through 1972 grill on the Mach 1's. I recommed that you post it as a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (modified as 1973). Eleanor used in the beauty shots actually had double whitewall tires, Eleanor used in the stunts actually had Goodyear White lettered racing tires, and both Eleanor actually had dog dish often called baby moon hubcaps. -- Last edit: 2008-10-15 21:45:42
rubber ducky ◊ 2008-10-19 19:19	whats it matter if its a 71 or 73 mustang all thats matters its a great car and a great film
MaindrianPace ◊ 2008-10-31 16:49	I sugguest that you take a good look at the warehouse picture, and take a look at Eleanors bumper that how you can tell that Eleanor is a 1971 model. Eleanor actually has a regular hood not the usual NASA hood, I know that most of the Mach 1's have NASA hoods with hood locks, and other Mach 1's have regular hoods with hood pins. Eleanor is actually Mach 1 without the decals my guess is that Halicki took the Mach 1 decals off her of factory Grabber Yellow paint job, and painted the rear end flat black. The 1971 through 1972 Mach 1 models had a special gas cap finally by 1973 all Mustang models have a pony gas cap. All three years have included 1971 through 1973 Mach 1 models having black hoods. I request that post it as a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (modified as 1973). -- Last edit: 2008-10-31 19:54:56
jwrAMC ◊ 2008-11-01 22:34	Something to consider when trying to figure this out is budget. Halicki got the vehicles for the film from his own junkyard. As the film was released in 1974, it's quite early for a '73 Mustang to be in his junkyard. A '71 is three times as old, and it's worth that much less by 1974. Also, note the chosen paint scheme. The black lower body is a feature on the 1971 cars, not the 1973s. Logically, it's the best financial route to take the junked 1971 cars, slap 1973 grilles in them, and just call it a 1973. The black tail panel and missing 'Mach 1' decals were probably done in case Ford objected to the Mustang appearing in the film, or in case they'd want money for the use of the names...or merely to avoid buying replacement decals when the car got damaged during filming- a simple paint scheme with no decals is easier/cheaper to fix. And sticking with the black lower body of the 1971s meant less paint work to start out with. The 71/72 fuel cap also helps narrow things down. Lastly, the grille is just a few screws worth of effort to switch, so its not at all crazy to think it got switched simply to make the car seem like a newer model, making the film look that it had that much more budget.
Skid ◊ 2008-11-02 01:04	MaindrianPace wrote I think the secret to figuring out if it's a real Mach 1 or not might lie with the interior trim. The two-spoke steering wheel looks a bit sedate for a Mach 1...all the '71 Machs I've ever seen had three spoke wheels. Then again, then all the '71 Machs I've seen also had the NACA-ducted hood, too, and you were correct to point out that it was optional. The same could be said for the steering wheel, too. Anybody know?
rjluna2 ◊ 2008-11-02 01:36	Rear end detail at /vehicle_75802-Dodge-Charger-1968.html . Rear end detail at /vehicle_5816-MG-1100-ADO16-1963.html . -- Last edit: 2008-11-02 01:39:14
jwrAMC ◊ 2008-11-06 05:14	Regarding the hoods- Halicki was a businessman...in the auto wrecking business. He'd be smart to have removed the scooped hoods (if the cars had them) and sell them to off, and slap flat hoods on the cars cuz they are more common (on base models) and therefore expendable. The steering wheel is the 'standard' piece for mach 1s, while 3-spoke was indeed optional.
MaindrianPace ◊ 2009-01-01 03:14	The 15 inch seventy series wide tires, and dog dish hubcaps were standard on Mach 1's, but the ford factory magnum 500 rally wheels were optional. The Basic Mach 1 or Mustang motor is a 302 Windsor. The standard Mach 1 motor is a 351 Windsor, 351 Cleveland or Boss 351 with 335 horsepower. The optional Mach 1 motors were 429 Cobra Jet with 370 horsepower or 429 Super Cobra Jet with 375 horsepower for 1971. The standard Mach 1 dashboard has a speeddometer and tracdometer with three high proformance guages in the middle of a woodgrain dash above the air condition and the AM/FM radio with 8 track, and the clock below. The standard transmission is a three speed automatic FMX Selective Shift Cruise O'Matic. The optional transmission is four speed manual with a chrome hurst shifter. The standard steering wheel is a regular steering wheel. The optional steering wheel is a woodgrain rim blown three spoke steering wheel. The basic Mustangs have chrome side mirrors, front and rear chrome bumpers, and a basic grill with the pony in the corell, and no tailights in the grill. The standard Mach 1's have matching body colored sport mirrors, one body colored front bumper, and one chrome rear bumper, and a special grill with the pony without it's corell, and tailights built into the grill. The stunt Eleanor actually gets smashed up in the 40 minute chase scene, but the Boss 351 Cleveland motor is still good, and it still runs. Eleanor is actually a real Mach 1, but the car has a three speed automatic transmission, AM/FM radio with 8 track, and the clock below, also body colored sport mirrors, and a Mach 1 dashboard with a body colored front bumper, and chrome rear bumper, with a special grill with the pony without's it's corell, and tailights built into the grill. Eleanor is actually is standard Mach 1, I request that you repost it as 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (modified as 1973 Eleanor). -- Last edit: 2009-01-04 02:04:55
mustangllb64 ◊ 2009-02-18 04:29	To solve this war once and for all, someone needs to go to where this vehicle is housed, if it is on display, and verify the VIN serial number. Easy to do, it will be on the drivers side, under the windshield, on the dash. First digit will determine the year. 1 = 1971. 2 = 1972. 3 = 1973. Also 3rd and 4th digits for a Mach 1 should be 05. Standard fastback will be 02. 5th digit will determine engine size. The car also appears to have a 73 grille but a 71 front bumper. http://forums.bradbarnett.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=17500&c=146 http://forums.bradbarnett.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=20969&c=150 http://forums.bradbarnett.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=15411&c=151 Boss 351's have 4sp top-loaders backing them up, no automatics. Not to say that someone couldn't have pulled a Boss 351 engine and put it in there.
Skid ◊ 2009-03-09 00:09	The engine was never proclaimed to be a "Boss 351," as far as I know. Every source I've ever seen simply said that it was a 351 Cleveland (the standard Mach 1 engine during this time) that had a few modifications.
gator ◊ 2009-12-21 01:55	junkman wrote But it is in fact a 73 Mustang, wheels and everything. It also has the 73 Mustang appearance package, which is significantly different from 71. I cannot spot a single 71 part on this car. It has a 71 front bumper, and 71 front lower valance.
MaindrianPace ◊ 2010-03-06 00:43	According to Denice Halicki on the Speed Channel Eleanor is actually a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (modified as 1973) to fit Toby because of the dashboard, and grill. -- Last edit: 2010-11-26 08:04:41
1baker11 ◊ 2011-05-29 06:33	The only way anyone is to know for exact sure what year the stunt car was is to read the vin code off it in the museum that its in.
DigitalLuke64DD ◊ 2011-06-29 20:59	jwrAMC wrote Regarding the hoods- Halicki was a businessman...in the auto wrecking business. He'd be smart to have removed the scooped hoods (if the cars had them) and sell them to off, and slap flat hoods on the cars cuz they are more common (on base models) and therefore expendable. The steering wheel is the 'standard' piece for mach 1s, while 3-spoke was indeed optional. Er...how? He steals the car, drives a few feet, the alarm starts blaring, he disables it and the cop starts to chase him. There was no point he could stop and replace the hood. And why would he bring a gigantic hood on a boost when you'd want to keep a low profile, and waste time putting it on? Just to make a bit extra money?
Skid ◊ 2011-07-01 03:54	He's talking about H.B. Halicki, the filmmaker and star who made the movie, not Maindrian Pace, the character. Halicki prepped all of the cars that are used in the film.
Venomous Mink ◊ 2011-07-20 17:58	gator wrote It has a 71 front bumper, and 71 front lower valance. Correct, gator. The rear bumper is also consistent with a '71. Whether the rims were standard for '71 Mach 1's is beyond me however, I know for a fact that they were an option for the year, as seen in Diamonds are Forever. As for the grill, it could have been replaced or the fog lights could have been turned ninety degrees. Either way, my vote stands firmly: 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1.
tony ◊ 2011-10-05 04:04	Why Mach 1? no scooped hood and no stripes. it might have been a Mach 1 at one time but it's not dressed as one in the movie. ......but it does have a mach 1 style honey comb rear panel & pop open gas cap......Hmmm? also the blackout on the bottom could be correct for a 71-72 mach 1. but not for 73 -- Last edit: 2012-06-11 03:02:28
tony ◊ 2011-10-05 04:18	MaindrianPace wrote The 15 inch seventy series wide tires, and dog dish hubcaps were standard on Mach 1's, but the ford factory magnum 500 rally wheels were optional. mach 1s had 14 inch wheels......only Boss 351 had 15 in wheels -- Last edit: 2011-10-06 17:56:56 (antp)
gator ◊ 2011-12-03 06:17	I forget where I read it but someone was saying that there was no way her motor was a boss 351 because it was backed by an automatic (they all had 4 spds). But I really think it was. If someone could post a screen shot of the scene right before Halicki drives through the road closed barricade after the bridge there is a shot of the pedals on the floor. This shot is in the smashed up stunt car. A few things stand out at me. If you look carefully there is no carpet only the floor and then there is no center console. Next notice the brake pedal. It has the very small pad but no clutch pedal. The mustang was probably bout by Halicki with a tore up 4 speed and he simply put an automatic in her. But that’s just a guess. I also found this, look at the steering wheel in the side photo. http://www.swaqvalley.com/Blueprints/1971_Ford_Mustang_Boss_351.jpg
tony ◊ 2011-12-05 15:16	..... Only about 1800 Boss 351's were ever made, so what are the chances this was one of them. someone should check the vin. 1971 R code would be a Boss '72 R code would be 351 HO.....no R code for 73.
Venomous Mink ◊ 2011-12-21 15:06	You bring up a very good point. I've only seen the sport mirrors and color keyed front bumper on Mach 1's, but this car was an antique when I was born, so I haven't seen very many.
gator ◊ 2011-12-23 07:36	one good way to find out mach 1 or boss or regular mustang would be to look at the rear shocks. from what I can tell it doesent have the staggared shock option. so it isnt a performance model. looking at it now. Im thinking a standard 71 mustang. standard black interior with fold down back seat. 351 windsor small block with a three speed manual transmission. For whatever reason Halicki swaped front buckets with the other Eleanor which had the deluxe interior package.
maxman ◊ 2012-04-04 06:32	I just love it when wannabe Ford boys claim to know what Eleanor is. Eleanor was a '71 Mach 1, with the 351 Cleavland. If you don't know this, you don't know cars.
tony ◊ 2012-04-17 23:25	maxman wrote I just love it when wannabe Ford boys claim to know what Eleanor is. Eleanor was a '71 Mach 1, with the 351 Cleavland. If you don't know this, you don't know cars. what makes it a Mach 1 to you? No mach 1 hood, wrong paint for a 73 mach 1... A mach 1 hood back in 1974 wasn't worth saving, so why take it off? to save a few bucks.....after all the nice cars that where wrecked in this movie.....I doubt it. The car was probably a combination of 71-73 parts to make a car look good enough to steal. I agree with it having a 351 cleveland.......351 windsors where only used before 1970 in mustangs. -- Last edit: 2012-04-17 23:44:38
tony ◊ 2012-04-17 23:40	junkman wrote But it is in fact a 73 Mustang, wheels and everything. It also has the 73 Mustang appearance package, which is significantly different from 71. I cannot spot a single 71 part on this car. The black out paint on the sides is 71-72, not 73. the front bumper is not a 73, It is also 71-72 style -- Last edit: 2012-06-11 02:57:15
maxman ◊ 2012-04-30 05:30	tony wrote what makes it a Mach 1 to you? No mach 1 hood, wrong paint for a 73 mach 1... A mach 1 hood back in 1974 wasn't worth saving, so why take it off? to save a few bucks.....after all the nice cars that where wrecked in this movie.....I doubt it. The car was probably a combination of 71-73 parts to make a car look good enough to steal. I agree with it having a 351 cleveland.......351 windsors where only used before 1970 in mustangs. The grille is '73, the rest is '71. Remember, this is Toby Halicki. Putting newer parts on older models was a trademark for him. I agree the hood is all wrong for a Mach 1, and it is otherwise not indicitive of a Mach 1. I guess I misspoke. Not sure why I even said Mach 1. -- Last edit: 2012-04-30 05:38:37
V ◊ 2012-06-04 12:43	Hi , Ive looked at a lot of pictures of Eleanor and wondered if anyone here could tell me what colour she is. Seems yellow in some pictures, almost gold/mustard in others. As Im here in England can any of you guys in the U.S who may have more info or have been to see the car tell me please - Many thanks in anticipation
MaindrianPace ◊ 2012-06-07 06:21	The actual standard interior: The actual standard deluxe sports interior, and exterior features of a Mach 1 as seen on Eleanor #2: -- Last edit: 2012-09-02 00:28:39 (G-MANN)
tony ◊ 2012-09-05 02:56	I see that the interior shot shows the 3 guages in the center and what looks like a Mach 1 interior.........and also it has a pop open gas cap and honey comb trim....So here's my theory......instead of buying another Mach 1 hood to make the hero car match the stunt car they took it off and used a regular hood. -- Last edit: 2012-09-05 03:24:35 (G-MANN)
police car fan ◊ 2012-09-17 16:57	this car should deserve a place in thge top 10 best movie cars
Andre Malraux ◊ 2012-09-17 18:08	police car fan wrote this car should deserve a place in thge top 10 best movie cars
ingo ◊ 2012-09-17 18:14	Especially not in this ugly diarrhoea-colour
police car fan ◊ 2012-09-19 23:45	True, the colour must be different
cudak888 ◊ 2012-09-22 19:26	Specifically, by sales literature, this should be listed as a 1971 Ford Mustang Sportsroof (modified as 1973) and not a Fastback. Otherwise - so far - the documentation on this thing is correct. Ford changed their marketing name for the Fastback design to "Sportsroof" in 1969. -Kurt -- Last edit: 2012-09-22 19:32:25
cudak888 ◊ 2012-10-25 05:03	FYI, not that we need more confirmation of what this is, but the dual cut-out rear valence panel for the factory dual exhaust is additional proof of a pre-1973 model. All 1973 models had turn-down exhausts (with no cutouts) due to tightening EPA noise restrictions. -Kurt -- Last edit: 2012-10-27 15:22:30
carfan2 ◊ 2012-11-12 10:21	Its a 73 its says in the movie and the grille is not a 71
Game-oholic 94 ◊ 2012-11-12 17:39	I'M GOING TO END THESE ARGUMENTS, ONCE AND FOR ALL! Everyone who say's Eleanor's a 1973 model is right. The grill's headlights are horizontal on a '71, and they're vertical on a '73 (as seen in the movie), and they keep saying 1973 throughout the whole film (mostly in the 40-minute chase scene), so, officially, ELEANOR IS A 1973 MODEL. Case closed.
antp ◊ 2012-11-12 18:20	Game-oholic 94 wrote I'M GOING TO END THESE ARGUMENTS, ONCE AND FOR ALL! That does not end it, you just restart it without taking in account the previous comments... -- Last edit: 2012-11-12 18:20:58
cudak888 ◊ 2012-11-13 05:31	carfan2 wrote Its a 73 its says in the movie and the grille is not a 71 Game-oholic 94 wrote I'M GOING TO END THESE ARGUMENTS, ONCE AND FOR ALL! Everyone who say's Eleanor's a 1973 model is right. The grill's headlights are horizontal on a '71, and they're vertical on a '73 (as seen in the movie), and they keep saying 1973 throughout the whole film (mostly in the 40-minute chase scene), so, officially, ELEANOR IS A 1973 MODEL. Case closed. If I were a millionaire, I'd fly both of you jokers to the closest 1973 Mustang possible - in order to see you attempt to mount a 1971/72 bumper to it and have the fender gap come out as seen in the movie. It won't, and it can't. Hence, it's time to repeat - in Reader's Digest form - the condensed version of everything that's been covered above, in the all-new (and improved - whoopie!) version for 2012: A. Paint job is irrelevant; it is Halicki's own scheme. Keep in mind that no '71-73 Mustang ever came from factory with a blackout standard hood (blackout was available on NACA/NASA hoods only) and the lower black trim without hockey stick stripes would have had a divider moulding (like the Diamonds are Forever '71 Mach 1) instead of the additional black tape stripe. The hood locks are also add-ons to the standard hood and their position on Halicki's cars are incorrect. Examples: At left, a factory-spec Mach 1 with hockey stick stripes and correct tape stripe. At center, a factory-spec Mach 1 with no hockey stick and correct aluminum moulding. At right, a kludged Mach 1 that originally came without hockey sticks - hence the moulding - but someone put the hockey stick stripes on later (full hood paint is also incorrect for a Mach 1; only the Boss 351 had such paint). B. Both of Halicki's cars have rear valance cutouts for the dual exhaust. The feds mandated turn-down exhausts on the '73s, which eliminated the rear valance cutouts. Example below - note how someone tried modifying the turn-down exhausts to exit through the standard valance: C. As seen in the above photo of the blue Mach 1, 1973's came with two bumper extensions (optional extensions on 1972 cars were placed farther inboard and were not as bulky), not present on the Halicki car. The 1973 bumper also stands away from the body of the car, and require a rubber spacer between the bumper and the body to take up this gap. These characteristics are not present on the Halicki cars. D. Yes, the cars have 1973 grills - and you can stick a 1973 grill on the '71 and '72 with no major fitment issues. Halicki did just that. E. The lower valance panel on a 1971/72 Mustang has a wide open gap, with two turn signals on either side. 1973 lower valance panels have no turn signals, as the larger '73 bumper covers that area up. Halicki's cars have the thinner 1971/72 urethane bumper, and the corresponding 1971/72 lower valance panel w/turn signals. What's more, you cannot mount a 1973 bumper onto a 1971/2 Mustang without swapping the front fenders (and valance) at the same time. The bumper cutouts on the sides of '73 fenders are larger, in order to clear plastic filler pieces which fit behind the larger bumper - precisely the reason why Halicki did not go through the trouble of installing the newer bumper when updating the two prop vehicles. 1971/72 at left, 1973 at right: Any questions? No? Good. There will be a quiz later. -Kurt -- Last edit: 2013-03-30 05:40:59
Cycolac Fan ◊ 2012-11-18 00:27	Thanks for taking the time to put up all that info Kurt ^ interesting stuff. I bet Toby would be pleased and amused to see his film (and his three heavily modified '71 Mustangs) still attracting so much attention nearly four decades on!
Cycolac Fan ◊ 2012-11-18 00:35	Quote Hi , Ive looked at a lot of pictures of Eleanor and wondered if anyone here could tell me what colour she is. Seems yellow in some pictures, almost gold/mustard in others. As Im here in England can any of you guys in the U.S who may have more info or have been to see the car tell me please - Many thanks in anticipation Definitely yellow, maybe a Mustang expert could suggest with certainty what shade, I'd put money on it being Grabber Yellow, or more likely Med Bright Yellow since I believe the latter was a '72 and '73 colour option.
Ollygt ◊ 2012-11-19 12:27	Why can't people understand that in so many movies you buy a cheaper/older version of the "hot car" and make it look like the hot car. You use the "real" hot car for all the pretty shots and the mocked up cheapy in the action shots where there's a chance of damaging it. So many times you can see in crashes that it's not the "hot car" but the cheapy mock up.
cudak888 ◊ 2012-11-20 01:33	Cycolac Fan wrote Thanks for taking the time to put up all that info Kurt ^ interesting stuff. I bet Toby would be pleased and amused to see his film (and his three heavily modified '71 Mustangs) still attracting so much attention nearly four decades on! Glad to have done so. I'm sure he would - and I wouldn't be surprised if he'd be making indie car chase films to this day, if he were still with us. I thought there were only two cars used in the film - but I never confirmed it, so I won't question it. However, don't forget his 1973 (a genuine) Eleanor clone from Gone In 60 Seconds II. Cycolac Fan wrote Definitely yellow, maybe a Mustang expert could suggest with certainty what shade, I'd put money on it being Grabber Yellow, or more likely Med Bright Yellow since I believe the latter was a '72 and '73 colour option. If the car was repainted entirely, it wouldn't be a factory color. Nevertheless, if the black is a partial repaint over factory paint, I'd be confident that it's Medium Yellow Gold, color code "E." Also, keep in mind that the DVD screenshots have been color graded. Granted, I have an unrestored copy of the movie on VHS wherein the colors on the car remained largely unchanged from the DVD, even though the DVD footage is a far better quality transfer from the 35mm masters. -Kurt -- Last edit: 2012-11-20 01:57:59
Game-oholic 94 ◊ 2012-11-24 19:57	If H.B. Halicki himself was still alive today, we would just go to him and talk to him about this, so we would officialy end all of this controversy. -- Last edit: 2012-11-24 20:10:00 (Sandie)
Sandie ◊ 2012-11-24 20:10	Don't quote such long messages, please.
cudak888 ◊ 2012-11-25 03:50	Game-oholic 94 wrote If H.B. Halicki himself was still alive today, we would just go to him and talk to him about this, so we would officialy end all of this controversy. It can be ended the next time Denise Halicki brings the car out for showing. All anyone needs to do is read the VIN tag off the dash (if it's still legible through the window). My bet is that it's either an R02M (San Jose car, base Sportsroof, 351C 4V) or R02F (San Jose car, base Sportsroof, 302 2V) car with a Windsor dumped in it (if the claims that Halicki put a 351W in it, as opposed to a 351C, are correct). -Kurt -- Last edit: 2012-11-25 03:51:34
Game-oholic 94 ◊ 2012-11-27 19:33	cudak888 wrote It can be ended the next time Denise Halicki brings the car out for showing. All anyone needs to do is read the VIN tag off the dash (if it's still legible through the window). My bet is that it's either an R02M (San Jose car, base Sportsroof, 351C 4V) or R02F (San Jose car, base Sportsroof, 302 2V) car with a Windsor dumped in it (if the claims that Halicki put a 351W in it, as opposed to a 351C, are correct). -Kurt When, and where, do you think will be the next time Denice Halicki will do that?
Game-oholic 94 ◊ 2012-11-27 19:44	aa wrote en fait cela n'a jamais été une mustang mach one 1973 mais bel et bien une fastback 1971....(pare choc avant et arriere, rien ne dit que c'est une mach one te en plus c'est marque sur le site officile du site) etonnant non ? http://www.halicki.com/elenor.htm “ Eleanor” Is a 1971 Fastback Ford Mustang played the role of a 1973 Mach 1 Ford Mustang, a true lady both beautiful and tough and is the "Star" of Gone in 60 Seconds. Eleanor is the only Ford Mustang in history to receive Star title credit in a movie…making “Eleanor” a household name. 2 things: 1) Not the only "Mustang." The one and only car EVER to receive star title credit. No other car in history has received any. 2) Okay, okay. The movie website says it's a 1971 model, so I'll say that it's a '71.
cudak888 ◊ 2012-11-28 04:45	Game-oholic 94 wrote When, and where, do you think will be the next time Denice Halicki will do that? I wish I knew. I'm not on the West Coast, so I'd be less likely to know when there will be a theater showing where the car will make an appearance. You might wish to send them an email and ask if there are any scheduled showings for this December - can't think of a better place to get some PR information than the source itself: http://www.gonein60seconds.com/ -Kurt -- Last edit: 2013-04-01 04:02:10
Spike Morelli ◊ 2012-12-02 09:50	The car used as "Eleanor" throughout the movie, ( except for the closing scenes after the car wash ), is, indeed a 1971. I know this because I OWN A 1971 Mach 1,I have been driving it everyday since '90 ( 22 years now ). I am also a mechanic, who formerly worked at a Mustang only specialty restoration shop in Van Nuys, California, for a number of years, and I am very familiar with the subtle differences between the very similar '71-'72s, and the slightly different '73 model, though they basically share the same sheet metal, save for their valances. I also, had my Mach used in a movie, to be released, called "Bounty Killer", where it plays a starring role. My car is the same color as "Eleanor", and is a factory color called "medium yellow-gold". ( I tried to post a few photos of it, but it's not working for me ). -- Last edit: 2012-12-02 22:16:29
Skid ◊ 2013-02-10 15:17	I've read a few comments online that the scrapes visible on the surviving car show the car's original color - Medium Brown Metallic, visible under the grey primer applied before the repaint. I haven't studied any recent photos of the car to confirm this. If this is the case, the yellow color could be from any of a number of sources, or a total custom paint color.
tony ◊ 2013-03-30 02:53	Game-oholic 94 wrote I'M GOING TO END THESE ARGUMENTS, ONCE AND FOR ALL! Everyone who say's Eleanor's a 1973 model is right. The grill's headlights are horizontal on a '71, and they're vertical on a '73 (as seen in the movie), and they keep saying 1973 throughout the whole film (mostly in the 40-minute chase scene), so, officially, ELEANOR IS A 1973 MODEL. Case closed. Not so fast, It has 71-72 blackout paint. 73 never came like that and it also has 71-72 front bumper
cudak888 ◊ 2013-03-30 05:24	tony wrote Not so fast, It has 71-72 blackout paint. 73 never came like that and it also has 71-72 front bumper I already compiled every single argument possible to counter Game-oholic 94's incorrect claims. Why are you starting a moot debate of which I've already responded to with accuracy and great detail in an earlier post? I'm not trying to make a personal attack here; it's just that I don't understand dragging up the point when it was already addressed long ago in this spaghetti of misinformation. Furthermore, the paint scheme is not factory accurate, which renders it useless as a data point. Speaking of which, a base 302 Mach 1 ordered with a standard hood (very unusual, as most cars were ordered with the no-cost-optional NACA/NASA hood) would carry no hood blackout, even though the side of the car will carry the blackout treatment. See my earlier post for a comprehensive analysis of factory Mach 1 liveries. -Kurt P.S.: One other accuracy correction as per an earlier post: 15" wheels were not exclusive to the Boss 351 - 15" wheels were an option on 429-equipped Mach 1s. -- Last edit: 2013-04-01 19:30:13
Baskingshark ◊ 2013-04-01 17:00	I love how people are still arguing about Eleanor nearly FORTY YEARS after the movie was made...
cudak888 ◊ 2013-04-01 19:28	Baskingshark wrote I love how people are still arguing about Eleanor nearly FORTY YEARS after the movie was made... That's not half as amusing as the bullheaded ignorance that people have to the simplest of spotting cues. I'll wager that if and when the VIN numbers for the two cars become public, we'll STILL have people kicking, screaming, and demanding that both cars are 1973 Mach 1s. -Kurt -- Last edit: 2013-04-01 19:29:54
mercury man 01 ◊ 2013-05-09 09:51	Does anyone know if eleanor was a manual or auto ?
rjluna2 ◊ 2013-05-09 13:50	IIRC, he was driving an automatic tranny.
mercury man 01 ◊ 2013-05-10 12:41	rjluna2 wrote IIRC, he was driving an automatic tranny. Do you know if it had a stock motor in it ?

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1971 Ford Mustang Fastback (modified as 1973)

1971 Ford Mustang in Gone in 60 Seconds, Movie, 1974

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